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It’s your top five men’s volleyball story list, but with a twist.
Every Sunday during the men’s volleyball season I will post the top five best men’s volleyball stories of the week from around the nation. The list, though, is based more on how well the reporter wrote and covered the story rather than just what happened on the court.
I will be primarily looking at a college newspapers — they provide the majority of coverage to the sport — but occasionally I will include some well written men’s volleyball articles from professional newspapers.
Spending four years as a men’s volleyball beat reporter for The Ball State Daily News I am well aware of the challenges facing most of these reporters.
In many communities volleyball is a non-mainstream sport that has a niche following. One of the reasons I always loved covering volleyball, though, was because with every story I wrote I knew I needed to find an angle that could appeal to volleyball and non-volleyball fans.
Going beyond the boxscore and game notes to provide readers with insight on the team that they can’t got anywhere else is one of the most important skills for a sports reporter.
This list is to honor those efforts.
Katz flattered by honor
Cindy Luis | The Honolulu Star Advertiser
With former Hawai’i player Yuval Katz being inducted into the Warriors’ Hall of Fame, this article looks at why Katz traveled half-way around the world to receive the award and how he is adjusting to living in Israel following his time in college. Katz was a two-time All-American and named the 1996 National Player of the Year.
Penn State’s Wolf eyes full comeback
Joe McIntyre | The Daily Collegian
In this personalty profile story, Nittany Lions outside attacker Ryan Wolf discusses his struggles recovering from a torn labrum in his right shoulder that he suffered in the preseason. Wolf played in his first match of the season last week against Lees-McRae.
New lineup leads Ball State to win over Quincy
Andrew Mishler | The Ball State Daily News
This game story focuses on how Ball State coach Joel Walton benched former All-American middle attacker J.D. Gasparovic for his poor play in recent matches. It was the first time Gasparovic was healthy and did not play in a match since January 2008 — when he was a freshman.
Pavlik reflects on 400th win, embraces upcoming challenges for Penn State
Steven Petrella | The Daily Collegian
Penn State coach Mark Pavlik picked up his 400th career victory with a victory against Mount Olive, but it was a subdue moment with little celebration. This article examines why the milestone was not a big deal for Pavlik or his players.
Junior’s career night leads to Long Beach State sweep
Amir Vafamanesh | The Daily 49er
Playing its first home match in almost one month, this articles looks Long Beach State’s outside hitter Brad Hemmerling having a career-high 16 kills in a victory against Pepperdine. The story also looks at the team’s success playing at home this season.